Leslie Hindman sold the Estate of Robert Smith in its Modern Design sale, 11/14/17

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. Now that the weather is colder, I have gone back to publishing twice weekly, as often as possible.


Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Chicago, IL, held their Modern Design sale on 11/14/17. Included in the sale was the Estate of Robert Smith, which consisted mostly of French cameo glass. Don Williams was Robert’s main source for glass, until Don passed away a few years ago. Then Robert turned to me to continue collecting. He passed away last year from a rare form of bone cancer.

Daum Nancy Alpine vase, Hindman lot #467

I was anxious to buy back some of the glass that I’d sold to him, especially lot #467, a beautiful and rare Daum Nancy Alpine scenic vase, but it eluded me. It sold for $12,500, against an estimate of $4,000 – $6,000. I was the underbidder. The buyer who bought it paid a fair price, but it was just beyond what a dealer can pay and still make a fair return on his investment.

B&S vase, Hindman lot #468

Robert’s collection included more than a few fine examples of internally decorated Burgun & Schverer (B&S) vases. I was successful in purchasing a couple of them. The top result of the group went to lot #468, probably because collectors appreciated the rare shape. It sold for $8,125, against an estimate of $4,000 – $6,000.

B&S Orchids vase, Hindman lot #472

Lot #472 was beautiful and sold for a song, because of a major flaw on the backside, original to the making. It sold for $2,750 against an estimate of $2,000 – $4,000. I wasn’t going to buy it at any price, but the collector who did, bought an impressive vase at a very low price.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.


No more shows until February 2, 2018, when we’ll exhibit at the Miami Airport show. That gives us time to beat the bushes to find new treasures and take some time to smell the figurative roses. November is usually a good month for business. Then business dies in December because most people are looking for less expensive Christmas gifts than we offer. Occasionally we make a Christmas sale, but that’s the exception, not the rule. Cold weather and the New Year bring a new wave of enthusiasm.

I will update my site as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Big Tiffany & Co. surprise at Leslie Hindman’s Marketplace auction, August 19, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, Hindman lot # 390

Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, Hindman lot # 390

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held a Marketplace auction on August 19 & 20, 2015. Included in the sale was a small, 3 3/8″ diameter, Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, lot # 390, with a pre-sale estimate of $150 to $250.

Prior to the auction, I received the following email from Mike Intihar, Hindman’s Decorative Arts specialist. “Philip, I hope your summer is treating you well and I would imagine you are busy packing for the Baltimore show. I am writing because of a lot in our Marketplace Auction next week which I am not sure you would be interested in. It is a Tiffany & Co. enameled bowl, image attached. It came in with a small estate out of Evanston, Il., got overlooked and placed with a very low estimate of $150/250. I have not been able to find any good comparables for it but it is of a very good quality. As it is a Tiffany & Co. bowl, not Tiffany Studios or a piece of jewelry, I have been trying to figure out who would be interested in it. Let me know what you think, a link to our website page is below. Mike”.

tiffany&co-enam-bowl-2
I’m a Tiffany Studios expert, not a Tiffany & Co. expert, but I know quality when I see it, so I decided to bid up to $2,000. That’s a nice piece of change for a tiny bowl that I know very little about. Proves there’s still plenty to learn. The bowl sold for $52,500, including buyer’s premium. Goes to show you what I know. Obviously Mike didn’t have to worry. All it takes is two bidders to make an auction.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. To view just the listing for the Tiffany bowl, click on the first image above.

tiffany&co-enam-bowl-3


nyc-big-flea-9-2015Our next show will be The Big Flea Market at Pier 94 in New York City, September 26-27. Last year was the first time for this show and it was good. The attendees were completely different than the established Pier Antique Show that takes place in November and March each year, making it a totally different experience.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Louis Daniel Brodsky Collection of Art Nouveau at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, February 22, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held their Louis Daniel Brodsky Collection of Art Nouveau sale on February 22, 2015, selling the estate of the late poet. Results were good, with sales totaling $1,049,319, against pre-sale estimates of $437,570 – $693,430. All 347 lots sold, for a 100% sell-through rate. Phone and online bidders from 15 countries vied with the audience in the full saleroom.

Emile Gallé marquetry cabinet, Hindman lot #42

Emile Gallé marquetry cabinet, Hindman lot #42

Two furniture lots tied at $35,000 for top lot of the sale — #20, a French Art Nouveau rosewood vitrine, against a pre-sale estimate of $8,000 – $12,000 and #42, an Émile Gallé marquetry cabinet, against a pre-sale estimate of $5,000 – $7,000.

Early Gallé Crystallerie vase, Hindman lot #2

Early Gallé Crystallerie vase, Hindman lot #2

Brodsky favored early Gallé glass — clear Crystallerie with hand-painted motifs. Top lot of this group was #2, an interesting rectangular vase with flowers and two praying mantises. It sold for $10,625 — double the high estimate of $5,000.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, poster, Divan Japonais, Hindman lot #99

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, poster, Divan Japonais, Hindman lot #99

Of the posters that Brodsky collected, lot 99, a Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec example, entitled Divan Japonais, 1892-93, sold for $30,000, against a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 – $20,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.


pier-show-3-2015Now for a little down time and a lovely vacation. We’ll be back in time for our next show, the NYC Pier Antique Show, March 28-29, 2015.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

French cameo glass was on fire at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers 20th Century Decorative Arts auction, Thursday, October 23, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held their 20th Century Decorative Arts auction last Thursday, October 23, 2013, with some impressive results, especially for French cameo glass. Much of the French glass was consigned from the Adrienne Krumhorn Trust of Highland Park, Illinois. It was high quality, fresh-to-the-market, and estimated low — red meat for the lions. Even condition problems, which normally are kisses of death, did not deter buyers.

Gallé Crystallerie ewer, Hindman lot #1

Gallé Crystallerie ewer, Hindman lot #1

The tone was set from the beginning, with lot #1, a 12½” Gallé ewer, with a cracked handle. It soared past its pre-sale estimate of $1,000-2,000 to sell for $8,125, including buyer’s premium of 25%.

Gallé rhododendron blownout vase, Hindman lot #8

Gallé rhododendron blownout vase, Hindman lot #8

Most of the French cameo glass lots at least doubled their high estimates, with many selling for much more. Lot #8 was a Gallé rhododendron blownout vase with a pre-sale estimate of $8,000-12,000. It wasn’t the best example, with only fair color. Regardless of my opinion, the lot doubled its high estimate to sell for $25,000.

Daum Dragonfly table lamp, Hindman lot #28A

Daum Dragonfly table lamp, Hindman lot #28A

The most important French cameo lot of the sale was #28A, a Daum lamp with applied and wheel-carved dragonflies. It had several problems — weak color, a missing dragonfly tail, reproduction hardware, and finally a shortened base. Never mind the problems, don’t get in the way of a moving freight train. This auction was hot and there was no stopping it. The lamp realized $47,500, approximately five times the high estimate of $9,000.

I haven’t raised my prices on French cameo glass, but if other auction houses start having similar results, I will. Let me know what interests you, before that happens. For the complete results of this exciting sale, click here.

Pier-10-2013Next month we’ll be working from home base, exhibiting at the NYC Pier Show, November 23-24, 2013. The show is under new management, U.S. Antique Shows, which usually portends improvements. It will be our last show of the year, followed by the important Florida shows in January and February.

Fantastic Tiffany Favrile blue decorated vase, just in

Fantastic Tiffany Favrile blue decorated vase, just in

Click here to view my new website and look around. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps.

Art Deco bronze and ivory figures lead the way at Hindman’s 20th Century Decorative Arts sale, May 1, 2013

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, of Chicago, held a 20th Century Decorative Arts sale yesterday, May 1, 2013, with some excellent results. 507 lots crossed the block, with the pottery section of the sale scheduled for today, May 2, 2013.

F. Preiss Art Deco bronze & ivory grouping, The Bathers, Hindman lot #333

F. Preiss Art Deco bronze & ivory grouping, The Bathers, Hindman lot #333

Leading the way were Art Deco bronze & ivory figures by the likes of Preiss, Chiparus and Colinet. Two lots tied for top honors — #333, a Preiss group entitled The Bathers and #337, a Colinet figure entitled Ankara Dancer, both selling for $50,000, including buyer’s premium. Even though the prices were the same, the Preiss had a much better result, selling for almost 10 times its high estimate, while the Colinet sold below its low estimate. The market in Art Deco bronze & ivory figures has been strong for decades and has legs (no pun intended).

A fine intaglio-carved, blue Tiffany Favrile vase, Hindman lot #130

A fine intaglio-carved, blue Tiffany Favrile vase, Hindman lot #130

Top lot of the Tiffany Studios glass section of the sale went to #130, a fine-quality blue Favrile wheel-carved vase. It easily exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $2,000-4,000, to realize $11,875, including buyer’s premium — a handsome price for a 9″ vase.

Rare R. Lalique green cased Perruches vase, Hindman lot #301

Rare R. Lalique green cased Perruches vase, Hindman lot #301

There weren’t many R. Lalique lots in the sale, but a couple were special. Lot #301 was a rare, green cased Perruches vase. Estimated to sell for $10,000-15,000, it realized $27,500, including buyer’s premium. An even more rare object, an opalescent Tresor de la Mer perfume, sold for more money, $57,500, but below its low estimate.

For the complete results of the sale, click here.

No shows until late July, but we’re still very much in business. Please don’t hesitate to call or write. We’re always interested in buying, selling or trading.

Fine Argy-Rousseau pate-de-verre moth paperweight, for sale at the show

Fine Argy-Rousseau pate-de-verre moth paperweight, for sale at the show

Click here to view French cameo glass for sale. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show.

Wonderful Tiffany Favrile blue decorated mini vase, for sale at the show

Wonderful Tiffany Favrile blue decorated mini vase, for sale at the show

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and etchings by Louis Icart. Here’s the link. Philip Chasen Antiques.

Some great results at Leslie Hindman Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts auction, October 2-3, 2011

I have less time to write about the interesting things happening in the antiques world since the fall shows started, so I am posting new blog entries once or twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. If you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Important Frank Lloyd Wright copper urn, Hindman lot #944

Leslie Hindman held a Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts auction on Sunday and Monday, October 2-3, 2011. The sale went very well, bringing a total of $3.19 million against a pre-sale estimate of $2.07 million. That lot 944 was the top lot of the sale was no surprise. It was an important Frank Lloyd Wright copper urn (one of only six known to exist) from the Edward C. Waller House in River Forest, Illinois, circa 1899. Estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000, it sold just over the high estimate, realizing $784,000, including buyer’s premium.

Many of the finest items came from two important estates — Ralph Esmerian and Ruth Regenstein. The Esmerian items were heavy in bronzes and Arts & Crafts, while the Regenstein items were skewed toward 17th and 18th century needlework and enameled etui cases. Both sections of the sale did very well.

Rare Quezal lamp, Hindman lot #1000

Lot 1000 was an extremely rare Quezal lamp with dark green and gold zipper decoration. I first saw this lamp a few months ago, when it was still in Mike Intihar’s office (Senior Specialist for Leslie Hindman’s Fine Furniture and Decorative Arts department). I was immediately wowed! I had seen this decoration on standard Quezal shades, but never on an all original, full-sized lamp. I told Mike it was really rare and special. I looked forward to the day it would be sold at auction, but knew certain collectors would need to have it more than I did. I was going to bid, but the odds of my being successful were slim.

It was sold with a conservative pre-sale estimate of $7,000-9,000, considering its condition and rarity. Bidding was strong, ending at $36,600, approximately triple the high estimate. This shouldn’t have surprised anyone in the know. There are a core group of Quezal collectors with great collections. This is one rarity they needed to have.

For the complete results of the sale, click on the following link. Hindman results. Make sure the correct sale is in the “View a catalogue” box and click “View” underneath. If not, first click on the “Archives” link on the left.

The best Daum scenic blownout vase

In the meantime, check the listings on my website, which I will update as often as I can. I’ll be photographing all my new Gallé and Daum purchases and listing them on my website. Recently I listed quite a few Tiffany, Handel and Pairpoint lamps and some very rare Louis Icart etchings including Melody Hour and Mardi Gras. There are also several fine Daum vases; a Daum lamp; several Galle vases; and several more Tiffany Favrile vases. Coming soon will be several wonderful European ceramic items by Clement Massier, Zsolnay and Amphora. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Knowledge is power, part VI

This story doesn’t end the way I planned it, but I trust you’ll find it interesting.

Daffodil table lamp, Hindman lot #346

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, of Chicago, held their Marketplace auction on January 19-20, 2011. Included in their offerings was lot 346, described as An American Leaded Glass Daffodil Table Lamp, after Tiffany Studios, raised on a tree trunk standard. Height overall 18 1/2 inches, outer diameter of shade 13 7/8 inches. Estimate $800-1,200 , and that’s where my story begins.

As soon as I discovered lot 346, my curiosity was piqued. Here was a lamp that was described as “after Tiffany Studios”, which is auction-speak for “the lamp is not authentic”. To my eyes, the lamp appeared to be authentic, but late-period. Late in their production, Tiffany Studios stopped using their own glass that had been manufactured in-house. Rather, they purchased glass from outside suppliers, like the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company of Kokomo, Indiana. This outside-purchased glass had a different “look” to it — “flatter”, less subtle and more garish. To the untrained eye, late Tiffany lamps look like reproductions. So here was the perfect opportunity to sneak up on an item and use my knowledge to gain the advantage. (Read my blog of July 24, 2009 for a good example. Here’s the link. July 24, 2009 blog)

I called the auction house and spoke to the expert in charge and asked Hindman to ship the lamp to me for inspection. I volunteered to pay for the shipping in both directions. Unfortunately, they were unable to comply with my request as this wasn’t their property, but the property of the consignor (in this case an estate). They sent many detailed photos, which only confirmed my suspicion that the lamp was authentic. The problem was that photos were insufficient to make a 100% decision about its authenticity — I had to see it in person. Unfortunately, the only way I could do that was to fly to Chicago.

So, on the Saturday before the auction, I flew to Chicago. The expert in charge, Mike Intahar, kindly agreed to meet me at the auction house to view the lamp. In person, there was no question — the lamp was authentic. I turned right around and flew back to New York. In and out in a few hours. Now armed with knowledge, I could bid with confidence. The lamp had a retail price of $25,000 – 30,000, but I wanted to be conservative, so I could resell it quickly for $20,000 or less.

The auction took place on Wednesday, January 19th. The problem was that I didn’t record it in my calendar, so I completely forgot about it. I was in the city with my wife, when I checked my phone. There were two messages from Hindman’s that I had missed their calls. My heart sank! Here I had spent the time and money to go to Chicago to inspect a lamp, only to forget about the auction!!! Argh! I called Hindman’s and much to my relief, I hadn’t missed the lamp. It was an unimportant lot, earlier in the sale, that I had missed. Whew!!! Dodged a bullet on that one. Now I was prepared to bid. They were going to call me back within the hour.

At around 2 PM EST, Hindman called me to bid on the lamp. The bidding started at $400, which was a very good sign. It meant that no one had left a bid. I let other bidders start the bidding before I jumped in. $1000, $1500, $2000, still good. I was prepared to bid $10,000, or more, so there was plenty of room. $8,000, $9,000, $10,000 — oops, not looking too good any more. $16,000, $17,000, ($20,740, including buyer’s premium), and the bidding ended. Oh well! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I exchanged one day’s time and $500 in expenses for the possibility of a big payday. But it wasn’t meant to be. Two other bidders, one on the phone and one in the room, were also knowledgeable.

I have no regrets. If I have the opportunity again, I will do exactly the same thing. Throw enough #*&% against the wall and something will stick.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Tiffany, Daum, Gallé, Webb and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve recently listed many of them on my website, including Daum swans, rain, a Gallé monumental red vase — more each day, plus a killer red Tiffany Favrile vase and a millifiori vase. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com

Elvis Presley items do well at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

On October 18, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers held an auction of Elvis Presley memorabilia from the collection of Gary Pepper, who was the president of the Tankers Fan Club, for Elvis fans.

Elvis' hair, Leslie Hindman lot #66

Elvis' hair, Leslie Hindman lot #66

Many items exceeded the high estimates, but those items that were personally Elvis’ did best. Lot #66 was supposedly Elvis’ own hair from his army recruitment haircut in 1958. No DNA test had ever been done on it to prove its origin, but that didn’t stop the bidders. The lot sold for $18,300 against a pre-sale estimate of $8-12,000

A cotton shirt monogrammed 'E.P.', Hindman lot #31

A cotton shirt monogrammed 'E.P.', Hindman lot #31

The top lot of the sale was a cotton shirt with the initials “E.P.” Even with a disclaimer by the auction house that this may not be the exact shirt that Elvis had worn in the accompanying photo, the lot soared to $62,800, against a pre-sale estimate of $2-4,000. Wow! That’s a lot of dough for a shirt that MAYBE Elvis had worn.

Collectibles about Elvis, but not personally his, did well, but not as well as the personal items. For example, a large collection of 1950s publicity photographs of Elvis sold for $610 against a pre-sale estimate of $2-400. A group of ticket stubs from Elvis Presley concerts estimated at $20-40 sold for $427.

Click on the following link to view the entire results of the auction. The Gary Pepper Collection of Elvis Presley Memorabilia.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com

French Cameo Glass excels at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Leslie Hindman held an auction today with fresh-to-the-market French cameo glass from the Patricia J. Gottschalk Trust. Combined with the fact that the estimates were very conservative, the results excelled, with most items exceeding the high estimates, some items selling for 5-6 times the high estimate and one item bringing 8 times the high estimate.

Daum rain scenic vase, Hindman lot #23

Daum rain scenic vase, Hindman lot #23

Lot 23 was a Daum rain scenic vase. Rain scenes are very desirable, so there was no question this vase would do well. This example was very nice, with a good shape and size at 8″. It would have been excellent if there had been more pink in the sky. The pre-sale estimate was $1-2,000, which was very low. A fair estimate would have been $4-6,000. The vase sold for $13,420, including buyer’s premium — over 6 times the high estimate.

Daum wheel-carved footed vase, Hindman #24

Daum wheel-carved footed vase, Hindman #24

A superb Daum vase, with highly detailed wheel-carving, was sold as lot 24. Apparently the staff at Hindman’s didn’t think much of the vase because the pre-sale estimate of $800-1,200 was even lower than for the previous lot. It sold for a strong $9,760, including buyer’s premium — 8 times the high estimate.

It was nice to see such strength and interest in the French cameo glass market. The key to great results at auction is fresh merchandise and low estimates and Hindman’s had both.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail or 516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com